Asda Downpatrick steps in to support families impacted by Drumaness fire
Asda Downpatrick has thrown its support behind families hit by last week’s devastating fire in Drumaness.
The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday 20th May at Cushowen Place around 3pm. The fire affected five homes in total, with two left uninhabitable.
Two fire appliances from Downpatrick Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Ballynahinch Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Carryduff Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Dromore Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Cadogan Fire Station, Command Support Unit from and 1 Appliance from Lisburn Fire Station rushed to the scene and Aerial Support from Springfield Fire Station was also on hand.
A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of 2 mid-terraced houses on fire at Cushowen Place.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used cutting equipment, used 5 jets and 2 hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
“The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
“Firefighters left the scene at 8.25pm (Tuesday 20 May 2025) but were called back to the incident at 4.37pm on Wednesday (21 May 2025) as the fire had reignited. Firefighters used 1 hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. The incident was dealt with by 5.09pm.
Within 48 hours, the Asda Downpatrick team were on site in Drumaness with £600 worth of items, funded through an emergency grant from the Asda Foundation, to support families in need.
Linda Owens, Community Champion at Asda Downpatrick, worked with Drumaness and District Community Association who coordinated the donation to those affected.
Linda said: “As soon as I heard what had happened, I knew we had to do what we could to support members of our community. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it’s at times like this people need to know others are thinking of them.
“The grant, quickly approved by Asda’s charity the Asda Foundation, was able to cover everything from shoes and clothes to kettles, toasters and phone chargers, key essentials that shockingly, some of the people impacted found themselves without.
“The whole community around Drumaness has pulled together, which is wonderful to see, with more fundraising ongoing to help those affected.
“We’re just happy we were able to do our bit at this early stage, but of course we will keep in touch and continue to help in any way we can.”
Maggie McAlister from Drumaness and District Community Association, has been working with families on the ground affected by the fire.
She said: “Linda and the team at Asda Downpatrick acted so quickly, it was fantastic. They were absolutely on the ball and after speaking for the first time on Thursday about what they could do to help, by Friday they arrived with everything we’d requested from pillows and socks to the all-important phone chargers.
“It was a huge help for the families. The nicest bit was that they came to us and offered their services.
